Former Steelers QB raves about what Najee Harris will bring to the table

Najee Harris could be a big difference-maker in Pittsburgh. Here’s why one former Steelers player is holding him in such high regard prior to his rookie season. 

Steelers fans have been aboard the Najee Harris hype train since before he was even drafted by the team this past April. Knowing the history of Alabama running backs and seeing how he was able to gash SEC defenses with ease had Pittsburgh fans salivating at the opportunity to land him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

While I may disagree with the philosophy of spending elite draft capital at the running back position, there’s no denying the talent. Harris truly has the makings of a do-it-all bell-cow back in the NFL, and that’s what fans expect him to be.

We aren’t the only ones who have high expectations for Harris in his rookie season. FanSided NFL Insider, Matt Lombardo, spoke to former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch on The Matt Lombardo Show. Batch didn’t restrain himself when it came to praising Najee Harris:

"“When you look at what Najee Harris brings to the table … Everyone saw what he did at Alabama, but when you watch him in practice, man … the pile is always moving forward. He’s not missing many holes, and he’s always gaining yardage. From that perspective, the offensive line is really confident that if they open the holes, he’s going to make some big plays.”"

In addition to being awestruck by Harris’ ability to move the pile, Batch was arguably even more enthusiastic when talking about what he’s witnessed in terms of his receiving ability this summer:

"“His added element is that he can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s a three-down back, he can pick up pass-protections, and then ultimately leak out of the backfield like you saw the other night with that 46-yard run that he caught it five-yard and ran it 39 after the catch. It’s really, really good to see where Najee Harris is at this point.”"

Will Steelers rookie RB be as good as advertised?

Charlie Batch becomes the latest in line to praise Najee Harris from what he’s seen so far, and he certainly won’t be the last to do so. However, with expectations growing increasingly lofty for the rookie running back, can he really be as good as advertised in 2021?

As good as Harris very well might be, he’s not going to be able to succeed on his own. Though great running backs can offer a substantial bonus to the offense, much of his success is tied to the offensive line and how they will perform this season.

Fortunately, this group looks promising in the early going – grading out as the second-best overall unit in the 2021 preseason so far, according to Pro Football Focus. With a bit more continuity and experience, this group could soon be paving paths for Harris to run on this season.

Charlie Batch’s admiration for Najee Harris is only going to continue to add to the expectations for the big running back in his rookie season. Already being declared as the next great running back in Pittsburgh by some, Harris will have to prove that he’s been worthy of all of the recognition he has received this offseason.